Marlenheim Grape Harvest Festival

Marlenheim: Gateway to the Alsace Wine Route

Marlenheim holds a special place in the Alsatian wine landscape: the commune marks the northern starting point of the Alsace Wine Route, one of France's most famous tourist routes. Surrounded by hillsides planted with vines, Marlenheim is particularly renowned for its Pinot Noir, a rare grape variety in Alsace that finds ideal conditions here to produce quality red and rosé wines. The terroir is also conducive to traditional Alsatian white grape varieties.

A Tradition Since 1967

It was in 1967, under the initiative of Xavier Muller, then mayor of the commune, that the first Grape Harvest Festival was born in Marlenheim. Since then, every third Sunday of October, the village comes alive to celebrate the end of the grape harvest and the fruit of the winemakers' labor. Nearly sixty years later, this tradition remains a highlight of the cultural life of the commune and the region.

The Return of the Grape Pickers: A Key Moment of the Festival

The most emblematic moment of the day occurs around 3 PM: the grape pickers return from the vineyards on a float, carrying the last baskets of grapes. In the Town Hall square, the grapes are then pressed the old-fashioned way before the eyes of the public, and the fresh grape juice is distributed free to all visitors. This moment of sharing, punctuated by music and songs, embodies the spirit of generosity and conviviality characteristic of Alsatian wine traditions.

Flea Market, Dancing Meal, and Entertainment

From 7 AM, a flea market fills the village streets, attracting bargain hunters and early morning strollers. At the Les Roseaux sports and cultural center, a dancing Alsatian meal is offered at lunchtime, accompanied by a regional orchestra playing waltzes, polkas, and traditional tunes. The Les Roseaux hall also hosts a fruit and vegetable exhibition organized by the Mossig Valley Arboricultural Association, showcasing the richness of local produce.

A Festive Sunday Driven by Volunteers

The organization of the Grape Harvest Festival mobilizes about a hundred volunteers and all of Marlenheim's associations. Food is available both in the streets and in the village restaurants, offering a range of Alsatian flavors: flaming tarts, Baeckeoffe, sauerkraut, and of course, Marlenheim wines. This festive day is one of the biggest events in local life, perpetuating the link between the commune and its vineyards.